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Junior Drew Allar has developed into one of the best quarterbacks in all of college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions this season.
Allar, a former five-star prospect out of Ohio, ranks eighth in the country in QB efficiency and has Penn State up to No. 3 in the nation, its highest ranking since getting to No. 2 in 2017.
But Allar’s availability for Saturday’s huge showdown with No. 3 Ohio State was in doubt after suffering was in doubt after suffering a knee injury against Wisconsin a week ago.
Allar missed the entire second half against the Badgers. Backup Beau Pribula came in and went 11-of-13 for 98 yards and a touchdown to lead Penn State to a 28-13 comeback victory in Madison.
While Pribula acquitted himself nicely, the overarching belief was that the Nittany Lions need Allar to play and play well to beat the Buckeyes.
Thankfully for James Frankin and company, it appears that they’ll at least have Allar on the field against Ohio State.
Pete Nakos of On3Sports reports that is expected to play Saturday against Ohio State.
Allar participated in the open portion of Wednesday’s practice and appeared to be moving at full speed. Although media is not allowed to view the entire practice, including contact drills.
“At this stage, no new information for you guys,” James Franklin said following Wednesday’s practice. “But so far so good. Getting both Beau and Drew a ton of reps in practice.”
On the other side of the coin sits Ohio State quarterback Will Howard. Howard is a Pennsylvania native who never received a scholarship over from Penn State (or Ohio State).
He began his career at Kansas State before transferring to Columbus prior to the 2024 season.
“I’m stoked,” Howard said about game. “I cannot wait. It’s going to be a homecoming for me. I grew up a Penn State fan. I wanted to go there my whole life. They didn’t think I was good enough, but I guess we’ll see next week if I was.”
Whichever of Allar or Howard plays better could well determine the outcome of Saturday’s contest.